Novo Nordisk to Stop Human Mixtard, Top-Selling Insulin in India

Novo Nordisk has decided to discontinue Human Mixtard—India’s largest-selling insulin—and several other key insulin products, potentially reshaping the country's Rs 5,000 crore insulin market. The action indicates a major shift in the diabetes care environment. Despite price regulation, Human Mixtard continues to be an Rs 800 crore brand, underscoring its importance in diabetes management in India.

The stop will also concern other major brands including Actrapid, Insulatard, Insulin Detemir, Levemir, and Xultophy, which are suggested in convenient formats such as Penfill and FlexPen. The latest reports reveal that Novo Nordisk recently informed its marketing partner Abbott India that these products would be discontinued once the current stocks run out, likely within six months.

“The decision comes as the Danish company's global strategy to prioritise newer, patented diabetes and weight loss therapies including Ozempic and Wegovy, due to their higher profitability,” sources said.

While the company will continue to offer Human Mixtard, Actrapid, and Insulatard in vial formats for syringe-based delivery, this could limit access for patients who rely on the accuracy and convenience of pen devices. With a large diabetic population preferring pens for ease and reduced stigma, the exit of these products may disrupt diabetes care practices across the country.